Pest Patrol: Behind the scenes of a thermographer
Meet Ramzan bin Yusoff, senior foreman at Aardwolf Pestkare, as he shares his thoughts on how caring for the ecosystem and insects can work hand in hand to keep our environment clean.
Ramzan bin Yusoff, 50, is not only a senior foreman, he is also a thermographer and specialist in termite management.
No matter how well we try to pest-proof our homes, creepy crawlies can somehow worm their way into our residences. Singapore’s high humidity and rainfall creates the perfect climate combination for pests, such as termites, to invade homes and workplaces.
“Due to urbanisation, ants and termites have lost some of their natural habitats. In their quest for food and new homes, these insects have started into move to urban environments,” said Ramzan bin Yusoff, a senior foreman at Aardwolf Pestkare.
Ant-ennas for termites
When Ramzan first started working at Aardwolf Pestkare in 1999, termite cases were largely contained in the eastern part of Singapore and in landed properties. However, the problem has been exacerbated so much that in 2002, Aardwolf Pestkare decided to form a termite unit, just to focus on tackling the rising number of cases. Ramzan and four other colleagues were hand-picked for the job.
As part of the training programme, Ramzan and his team were given the opportunity to travel to Sydney, Australia to try their hand at a new equipment called the TermiCam. Utilising thermal imaging and infrared technology, the camera enables pest controllers like Ramzan to detect termites and their nests, by revealing hotspots generated by the warmth of these insects.
Ramzan examines areas of concern using the TermiCam. The camera works by capturing different temperatures in different colours.
Beyond detection of major heat sources such as termite nests, the TermiCam can also detect minute changes in heat patterns, or signs of damage such as holes in wooden door frames that often indicate a sign of pest infestation. As these cameras are powerful and precise, added user security is needed to prevent misuse. “The TermiCam is kept carefully under lock and key. I even had to take an oath before I was allowed to operate the machine! There are other capabilities that the camera possesses, but I shall keep these confidential,” Ramzan shared with a smile.
Improved hardware and heart-ware
With the TermiCam, Ramzan has cut down his inspection time by 50%, compared to when he could only rely on his trusty torchlight and a screwdriver, which he used to tap on wooden areas to look for termite infestations. Furthermore, Ramzan can now pinpoint infestations more accurately, as the TermiCam helps to identify breeding sites without any guesswork. Nevertheless, understanding what to look out for and where to capture the thermal images comes with years of experience. Other than the TermiCam, technicians at Aardwolf Pestkare are issued tablets so that they can submit their service reports on the go, saving them time, as they do not have to travel back to their offices to finish their paperwork.
With his myriad of devices, Ramzan can comfortably work on the go. His “vehicle office” is well-equipped and even has a printer.
Apart from the hardware, Ramzan is proud to work for a company that constantly embraces newer and more sustainable methods of treating pest problems. For example, they have moved away from using carcinogenic chemicals such as arsenic, to having baiting stations that only uses 1% of active ingredients. This means that fewer chemicals are being used to achieve the same results, while being more environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, the company carries out targeted treatments to prevent over-baiting, which can be disruptive to the animal kingdom and its natural food chain.
Overcoming the stigma of the industry
Even though the pest management industry has moved with the times and is classified as an essential service, Ramzan feels that the stigma surrounding the sector has not waned.
“Sometimes people deem our job ‘dirty’, because we need to poke our heads through false ceilings, and look under stairwells, nooks and crannies in order to identify the source of the problem,” Ramzan said. The seasoned thermographer also needs to manage well-meaning clients calmly who tell him how to do his job, unaware of the training and experience he has gone through to become a certified pest control professional.
Peeking through the ceiling. Ramzan checking for anomalies in the most unexpected places.
To overcome these challenges, Ramzan stays focused by putting himself in the shoes of his clients. “My first step is always to listen and reassure homeowners. For example, I sometimes encounter clients with preferences on where to place baiting stations. After listening, I will offer my professional advice on which are the better locations for the baiting stations. Should my solution fail in the next one or two weeks, we will reevaluate. But I am usually confident with my recommendations,” he said.
A passion for insects
Throughout two decades of his career, Ramzan has remained unfazed, because of his original motivation for joining the pest management industry – his passion for insects. Since young, Ramzan has been intrigued by the little creatures, and is amazed by their survival skills. Ramzan and Aardwolf Pestkare share the same beliefs and values – to control pest numbers, instead of eradicating them completely or unnecessarily.
“As pest controllers, our first instinct should not always be about spraying every pest we see. We seek to help clients look for the source of the problem. This may range from an overflowing rubbish point, to damp and dark areas, or holes in gutters that attract pests. By helping clients resolve the root issues, we avoid over-baiting, and create an environment where people can live in harmony with wildlife,” Ramzan explained.
Opportunities and victories
Ramzan relishes picking up new skills and honing his knowledge in this industry. His wealth of experience has taken him overseas to tackle termite issues in hotels, food and beverage establishments, and private residences. He was selected to be a trainer to new pest control officers in Aardwolf Pestkare’s previous branch office in Shanghai.
For Ramzan, he gets his job satisfaction from every success story at a client’s place, and a simple compliment from a client for a job well done. Ramzan is also especially heartened whenever his children discuss news on pests with him, or ask him about his day at work.
Although Ramzan is excited to welcome new blood, he cautioned that the role of a pest controller is not one for the faint-hearted. “If you are afraid of creepy crawlies, this is not for you,” he laughed. “But if you enjoy working outdoors, love meeting people and solving problems with different approaches, this might just be your calling. Give it a try!”